Director, Research for Scalable Solutions (R4S)

Job Description

Director, Research for Scalable Solutions (R4S)

FHI 360 seeks a qualified candidate for the position of Project Director for a USAID-funded global project, Research for Scalable Solutions (R4S). FHI 360 has four partners in this project: Evidence for Sustainable Human Development Systems in Africa (EVIHDAF), Makerere University School of Public Health in Uganda, Population Services International (PSI), and Save the Children. R4S is designed to strengthen generation and utilization of evidence to increase access to voluntary family planning and improve healthy timing and spacing of births through research to answer priority implementation science questions and technical assistance to build capacity for data analysis, evidence synthesis, and adoption of evidence-based practices.

Final candidate for this key personnel position requires USAID approval.

Position Summary:

The Project Director leads the project and is responsible for achieving the project’s vision and strategy, directing the project technical team, and managing critical relationships with USAID, national and international partners, and other key stakeholders. The Project Director has overall programmatic and fiscal responsibility for the project, including achieving project results, effectively communicating accomplishments, and ensuring compliance with all US government and FHI 360 regulations. The Project Director will be a recognized leader in international family planning with expertise and experience in both implementation science and/or applied research and experience working in family planning programs, preferably in a leadership role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead evolution of overall project strategy and oversee development of yearly workplans and achievement of project results
• Ensure achievement of project objectives with technical excellence
• Maintain relationships with USAID/Washington and USAID Missions, national and international partners, and other key stakeholders through frequent consultation
• Mobilize resources both from USAID Missions and additional donors
• Provide technical and managerial guidance and advice to project leadership and staff
• Ensure effective communication across the entire project team and with relevant stakeholders
• Participate in international FP networks, meetings, and select technical working groups as appropriate to represent the project and ensure collaboration with relevant technical work
• Identify existing implementation platforms that can be leveraged for applied research and/or implementation science and negotiate appropriate partnership roles to facilitate such collaborations

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong expertise in family planning technical areas in resource-constrained settings, including High Impact Practices, costing/cost-effectiveness of FP interventions and programs, and issues related to equity
• Excellent understanding of the process and goals of applied research and/or implementation science
• Strong understanding of the research utilization process throughout the life of research studies, from research conceptualization to evidence-informed intervention scale-up
• Excellent leadership and adaptive management skills; ability to build collaborative relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders, including donors
• Proven track record of project management, cost containment, and client satisfaction
• Knowledge of non-profit funding streams, including government and philanthropic
• Strong time-management, multi- tasking and organizational skills
• Strong negotiator and collaborator who strengthens business relationships
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to succinctly synthesize and present information and clearly articulate tasks and requests
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to plan, organize, and manage resources for successful completion of projects
• Excellent and demonstrated public relations, policy development, project management and diplomacy skills
• Ability to build positive working relationships at the country and global level, with local communities, Ministry of Health representatives, international partners (WHO, UN, FP 2020, etc.), donor representatives, and other implementing partners

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Applies high-level analytical skills to identify appropriate courses of action
• Identifies potential risks to portfolio execution and recommends corrective actions
• Identifies and incorporates constraints into the portfolio process and recommends solutions
• Exercises judgment to meet business strategies and develops objectives that align with organizational goals

Education:

• Master’s degree required. PhD, DrPH, or MD with research training preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years’ experience in family planning and reproductive health with experience leading a complex global project with a major research component
• Management experience with USAID-funded family planning projects
• Professional experience conducting implementation science, applied research and/or research utilization in FP/RH
• Experience supervising senior research and/or research utilization staff
• Demonstrated ability to lead or contribute to technical publications on FP/RH
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain collaborative partnership arrangements through both formal, financial relationships (e.g. prime and sub relationship) and non-financial, cost-shared models
• Demonstrated donor management skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of USAID policies and programs
• Demonstrated strategic planning, team leadership and capacity building experience
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects that are strategic in nature and national/international in scope
• Demonstrated ability to interact with and mobilize resources from USAID Missions
• Excellent management, communication, and organization skills are required
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English; French is a plus

Travel Requirements:

• 10%-25%

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment. Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; ability to lift 5-50 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), e-mail, telephone, printer, calculator, copier, cell phones, PDAs and other hand held devices.

Position Location:

• Position is based in either Durham, NC or Washington, D.C

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.

About the Organization

About FHI 360: FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Director